May 12, 2014

GREEN BAY, Wis. Students entering grades sixth through ninth in fall 2014 can enroll now for Robotics and STEM Camp, which will offer two separate sessions, July 6-9 and July 27-30, at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

This camp challenges students to learn the basics of the engineering design process using hands-on learning with the Lego Mindstorms platform. Goals include enhancing students' interest in robotic design and basic programming, all while having fun. Campers will have the opportunity to meet professionals from the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) industry, learn about existing and new initiatives in robotics from companies in the Green Bay area, and develop problem-solving and team-building skills. Students do not need robotic or programming experience prior to taking this camp.

Camp instructor Sean Schuff is the Robotics and STEM Camp Director. He teaches at Tesla Charter School in Appleton.

Schuff joined the staff of the Appleton Area School District in 1996, teaching an array of technology and engineering classes at all three high schools. In 1998 he joined the teaching staff of Appleton East full time and a few years later became one of the founding members of Tesla Engineering Charter School. Since then he has dedicated himself to the students in both Tesla and on the NEW Apple Corps Robotics Team.

Melinda Pollen, Brown County Youth Development Educator, and Lena Hosking, Brown County 4-H program assistant, will serve as teaching assistants for the camp.

They have developed and implemented programs to engage youth in hands-on, project-based learning using STEM concepts. Both are dedicated to STEM education for youth.

Brown County Cooperative Extension is a program partner, and it aligns with the 4-H STEM national mission: One million scientists. One million new ideas. Visit 4h.uwex.edu/set for more information on this endeavor.

Students can attend Robotics and STEM Camp as commuters or as residents living in UW-Green Bay student housing. The camp fee is $279 for commuters, which includes lunch. Resident students will pay $495, which includes room and board, counselor supervision and transportation to evening activities.